Society
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‘Pizzly bears’, genes and the climate crisis
Will evolution help defeat climate change? Yesterday, Joe Biden launched a “decisive decade” of environmental action. Now it seems that nature might also offer a helping hand.
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Sili nu speling rools set kritiks larfing
Should English spelling be simplified? Campaigners argue that its complicated rules hold too many students back, and the time has come to introduce some fundamental changes.
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Young Leonardo da Vinci laid bare in new drama
Is Leonardo’s life story relevant today? The new series about the Renaissance genius may be hugely entertaining. But can a tale of a 15th-Century artist have a message for modern viewers?
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New era begins for UK’s longest serving heir
Will the British monarchy change with Prince Charles as deputy head? After Prince Philip’s funeral tomorrow, many believe the Queen’s closest adviser will become her son – the future king.
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How sexism is ‘built-in’ to most languages
Could many languages be holding women back? A growing movement argues that changes to grammar and vocabulary are an essential step towards ending the tradition of male dominance.
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Sailor, sportsman, hero – and royal husband
Did he see more change than any of us will? Prince Philip has died aged 99. He led an extraordinary life and was a witness to some of the most momentous events in world history.
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Wave of optimism as herd immunity forecast
Is this one of the greatest scientific achievements of all time? As the lockdown eases today, one group of experts says the UK has reached a major milestone in its fight against Covid-19.
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New young faces join the billionaires’ club
Can we learn anything useful from the latest list of billionaires? It now runs to thousands of people, one of them still a teenager – but the editor who oversees it is worried.
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The wayward son saved by a president’s love
Is Hunter Biden brave to publish his life story? The book, out yesterday, describes his battle against addiction and the role of his father Joe Biden in putting his life back on track.
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When passports can threaten your freedom
Is the world sleepwalking into captivity? Governments are proposing vaccination certificates as the key to resuming normal life, but critics see them as an infringement of liberty.
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Buried treasure solves pirate’s perfect crime
Is it wrong to love pirates? They were ruthless killers who terrorised the high seas, but a long tradition of books and film celebrates their swashbuckling adventures and rebellious spirit.
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Easter film shows Jesus as African refugee
If Jesus returned today, would he be a migrant? In a highly imaginative film being shown over Easter, a reinterpretation of the life of Jesus plays out in a disturbing 21st-Century context.
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America on trial in police murder case
Will it be a turning point for America? The trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd has prompted discussion about whether the US can start to heal its racial divisions.
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How to talk about the schools abuse scandal
Is this a second #MeToo? A tide of testimonies about sexual violence from school and university students has sparked a new conversation about abuse – and what schools should do about it.
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How blocking the sun could help fix climate
Is it a good idea? As a new report shines light on a radical idea to cool the Earth, some scientists warn that solar geoengineering might actually cause more problems than it solves.